Paytm founder Vijay Sekhar Sharma on vending machine for stray dogs: 'Will love to fund this'

Paytm founder and CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma

Paytm founder and CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma has shown interest in funding a vending machine for street dogs. In a post on X, Sharma shared a video of an initiative in Istanbul focused on feeding stray dogs and said that he was looking for a "champion of change". He, however, did not specify whether he meant to fund the initiative in Turkey or India.

"I will love to fund this, need some champion of change," Sharma wrote on X.

I will love to fund this , need some champion of change. https://t.co/asvGWU4JP0

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— Vijay Shekhar Sharma (@vijayshekhar) July 17, 2024

According to Mashable, the dog food recycling box in Istanbul was created by Engin Girgin in collaboration with Pugedon. Set up in public places, these "vending machines" consist of three openings, with the first one to deposit plastics and cans for recycling. A sensor gauges if the dumped trash is recyclable. If it is, the other two vents dispense dog food and water, as available in the box.

The initiative aimed at helping people feed more than 150,000 stray dogs without spending any money.

Meanwhile, the Paytm boss's gesture had the internet divided. While a section of X users lauded Sharma's intent and offered to connect him to people who have been caring for strays, another section asked him to exercise caution highlighting incidents of violence among stray dog and humans.

"It's amazing how a simple act of recycling can make such a big difference in the lives of these animals. Imagine if every city adopted this approach—what a difference we could make!" wrote Amit Misra (@amit6060). "There's a lady in Ghaziabad who's feeding and taking care (health, injuries) of 100s of dogs. She would benefit from the tech and funding greatly. Happy to connect you/your investment team to her. She's not on X," added Vivek Shukla (@vivekshukla).

Among users who did not favour the initiative was user Vishal tehran (@Risk_to_Reward). He said, "Also keep funds for treatment of kids and elders who will be attacked by these stray dogs... Citizens pay road tax for usage not making them feeding grounds for stray dogs."